Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Hong Kong: Sanctions

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to sanction officials of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region who are responsible for enforcing the Hong Kong national security law against pro-democracy campaigners.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have made clear our strong objection to the National Security Law (NSL), which is being used to stifle opposition and criminalise dissent in Hong Kong. We have taken a number of measures in response to the situation in Hong Kong, including the bespoke immigration route for British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O)s), the suspension of the UK-Hong Kong extradition treaty and the extension of the arms embargo applied to China to Hong Kong. We keep all potential sanctions designations under close review. It would not be appropriate to speculate about future sanctions measures as to do so could reduce their impact.

Hkalam Samson

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Myanmar regarding the six-year prison sentence imposed on the former President of the Kachin Baptist Convention, Reverend Dr Hkalam Samson, on 7 April; and what steps they have taken in response to the sentence.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK condemns the arbitrary detention of politicians, civil society members and journalists by the military regime, including the former President of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Reverend Dr Hkalam Samson. On 18 April, the UK Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief called for his immediate release and for the release of all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar. On 21 December 2022 the UK coordinated a landmark UN Security Council Resolution which urged immediate action by the military regime to release all those in arbitrary detention.

Jimmy Lai

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of China regarding the imprisonment of the British citizen Jimmy Lai.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary set out our views regarding developments in Hong Kong with State Councillor Wang Yi in February. We continue to use our channels with the Chinese Government to make clear to the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities our strong opposition to the National Security Law. The deliberate targeting of journalists and businessmen such as Mr Lai is unacceptable. The Minister for the Indo-Pacific met representatives of Mr. Lai's international legal team on 10 January and raised Mr Lai's case with Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of Hong Kong, on 18 April. Senior officials have and will continue to raise cases such as Mr Lai's with the Hong Kong authorities. Diplomats at our Consulate-General in Hong Kong will continue to attend Mr Lai's court proceedings.

South Sudan: Humanitarian Aid

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: To ask His Majesty's Government what was the outcome of the meeting on 19 April between the Minister for Development and Africa, and the Africa Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, with regard to reducing the recent increase in attacks on aid workers delivering humanitarian aid to those in need in South Sudan.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK unequivocally condemns all attacks on humanitarian workers who must be able to carry out their vital work safely.  The UK is chair of the Humanitarian Donor Group in South Sudan and is an important voice in coordinating donor response to the crisis. This includes through diplomatic action that aims to ensure the protection of civilians and improving the operating environment so humanitarians can access difficult areas and reach those most in need.  The UK called on the Government of South Sudan to remove all constraints on humanitarian access at the UN Security Council on 6 March 2023. We also called for the Government of South Sudan to act urgently to address the ongoing theft of humanitarian resources.

South Sudan: Humanitarian Aid

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: To ask His Majesty's Government whatsupport is provided by UK Development Aid to the role of local churches in South Sudan and faith-based organisations in peacebuilding, resilience building and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Faith-based actors play a crucial role, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, health and education, across South Sudan. The Ecumenical visit in February 2023 demonstrates how the Churches can help to support peace building at a local and national level in South Sudan. The UK engages regularly with South Sudanese civil society, including faith-based organisations, through humanitarian and diplomatic fora. The UK-funded Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund (POF) has supported communities to reach local peace agreements, ensuring women's participation, and integrating gendered provisions including the return and reintegration of abducted women and children. The UK is chair of the Humanitarian Donor Group in South Sudan and is an important voice in coordinating donor response to the crisis. This includes through diplomatic action that aims to ensure the protection of civilians and improving the operating environment so humanitarian organisations can access difficult areas and reach those most in need.

South Sudan: Health Services

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: To ask His Majesty's Government whatare their plans to reinstate aid funding to the Health Pooled Fund in support of hospitals and health care centres across South Sudan.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK is the largest donor to the Health Pooled Fund (HPF) in South Sudan providing up to £175 million from 2018 to 2024. In August 2022, the FCDO, on behalf of HPF donors, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of South Sudan setting out how we'll work together to transition responsibility for funding for eight state hospitals. HPF completed the phased withdrawal from the eight state and referral hospitals by 31 March 2023. In mid-March 2023, the Minister of Health for South Sudan reported that the Government of South Sudan would be procuring essential medicines for the unsupported health facilities.

South Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: To ask His Majesty's Government what financial contribution they made in (1) 2021 and (2) 2022, to the bodies which oversee the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan: namely the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and the Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism; and what is their planned contribution for 2023.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Poor implementation of South Sudan's peace agreement to date is driving violence and the humanitarian crisis. It is vital that the South Sudanese government deliver progress according to timelines set out in their Roadmap. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) and the Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) play an important part in monitoring the peace agreement. The FCDO funds in-kind support through the placement of technical experts in both CTSAMVM and RJMEC. In Financial Year 2021-2022, this amounted to £1.2 million in-kind support and in Financial Year 2022-2023 support totalled £407,261. For Financial Year 2023-2024, the FCDO has committed to up to £480,000 continued in-kind support.

Syria: Foreign Relations

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of current efforts to normalise relations between Syria and its Arab neighbours; and in particular, what is their assessment of the possibility of a general amnesty allowing refugees outside Syria to return home and improved humanitarian access to Syria.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Conditional engagement, tied to UNSCR 2254, is more likely to advance the political process. Conditions in Syria do not currently allow for safe return of refugees. Previous regime 'amnesties' have not been reliable. Genuine progress on arbitrary detention, missing persons and the justice sector would help to establish conditions to enable returns. While we welcome increased humanitarian access following the February earthquakes and call for it to be sustained, we note that previous limits were due to regime and Russian obstruction.

Diplomatic Service: Political Impartiality

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 4 April (HL6671), what guidance is given to British diplomats on maintaining political impartiality when they are acting privately in a public setting, as distinct from carrying out their diplomatic responsibilities.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: British diplomats are respected around the world because of the high standards to which they hold themselves, of which the Diplomatic Service Code is a key part. The private conduct of British diplomats is governed by the Diplomatic Service Code, contained in the Diplomatic Service Regulations (DSRs) as DSR1. DSR36 of these Regulations also highlights the requirements relating to political activity.

Turkish Peoples' Democratic Party

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of allegations that imprisoned members of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) in Turkey were not provided with full details of the indictment against them and their colleagues, and were allowed only one day out of three to make their defence during the trial held in April.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: British Embassy officials have been monitoring the Kobane trials in person and will continue to do so, alongside other like-mind missions. We follow events in Turkey carefully, particularly government moves to close down the People's Democratic Party (HDP), the lifting of immunity for its MPs, and the replacement of opposition mayors by state-appointed officials. While these decisions are for the Turkish Government, we expect Turkey to undertake legal processes fairly, transparently and with full respect for the rule of law.

Afghanistan: Journalism

Lord McInnes of Kilwinning: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to respondto the needs of vulnerable journalists, writers, and media workers in Afghanistan.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is a champion of media freedom and a proud member of the Media Freedom Coalition. According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, 40 per cent of media outlets in Afghanistan have ceased to operate and 60 per cent of journalists have lost their jobs since August 2021. In response, the UK is providing programme funding to support media organisations still operating in Afghanistan. We also continue to raise the issue of media freedom in our discussions with the Taliban.

Afghanistan: Journalism

Lord McInnes of Kilwinning: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are takingwith the government of Pakistan to ensure that (1) Afghan journalists in Pakistan are protected from any acts that could endanger their safety, and (2) Afghan journalists at risk in that country are relocated to safe third countries

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Defending media freedom at home and abroad is a priority for the UK Government. We continue to address media freedom in our discussions with the Taliban and regularly raise the issue with the Government of Pakistan. A number of Afghan journalists have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain under Pathway 1 of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). We continue to work with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), likeminded partners and countries neighbouring Afghanistan to support the safe passage of eligible Afghans to the UK. Our commitment on ACRS Pathway 3 to welcome wider groups of at-risk Afghans still stands. Further detail will be set out in due course.

Evan Gershkovich

Lord Black of Brentwood: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they havemade to the government of Russia regarding the detention of the journalist Evan Gershkovich; and what further action they propose.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: In response to Evan Gershkovich's arrest, the Foreign Secretary said "Russia's decision to detain Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich shows their complete disregard for media freedom." On 17 April, the UK co-signed a statement by the Media Freedom Coalition of 46 UN Member States, delivered by the US Ambassador. We condemned Mr Gershkovich's detention and urged Russia to end its draconian crackdown on freedom of expression, including against media figures. As Mr Gershkovich is a US citizen the US Government will lead on consular support. The UK will work with the US to support their efforts to secure his release.

USA: Official Visits

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of the £7 million cost of policing the visit of President Biden to Northern Ireland will be paid by the Government.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: President Biden visited the UK as a Guest of Government. It is long-standing policy not to comment on protective security arrangements. To do so could compromise the integrity of those arrangements and affect the security of the individuals involved.

Sudan: Politics and Government

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government whetherthey will make representations to Sudanese leaders concerning the safety of leaders of civilian movements in that country; in particular, Yasir Arman.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We are pursuing all diplomatic avenues to end the violence and de-escalate tensions. The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Development and Africa are in regular touch working with international partners to engage all parties in Sudan. We have led calls with the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, regional groupings and the UN Security Council to discuss the situation and coordinate a response.In a public statement by the Quad (KSA, UK, US, UAE) and the Trilateral Mechanism (AU, UN and Governmental Authority on Development) we have publicly welcomed the extension of the ceasefire by 72 hours. This initial stage of diplomacy, establishing a process to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities, will help ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.

Turkey: Politics and Government

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the Turkish judiciary has sufficient independence to conduct free and fair hearings of cases with political implications.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have long encouraged Turkey to work towards the full protection of fundamental rights. We are closely monitoring reports of the the widespread use of anti-terror legislation to silence critics of the state and encourage Turkey to ensure that all charges under the legislation are carried out in a proportionate and transparent manner.His Majesty's Government has no locus to intervene in Turkish domestic legal cases but our Embassy in Ankara frequently monitors high-profile trials. We will continue to raise specific cases with the Turkish government and through the Council of Europe.

India: G20

Viscount Waverley: To ask His Majesty's Government what specific proposals, if any, they have forwarded to the government of India for consideration at the forthcoming G20 meeting.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government places a high priority on the G20 and will continue to engage closely with India throughout its Presidency.In visits to India, the Foreign Secretary and Chancellor reaffirmed their strong support for India's G20 Presidency and committed to work together to address the world's most pressing challenges. The Prime Minister is looking forward to attending the New Delhi Summit in September this year.

Refugees: International Cooperation

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of last year’s statement by the UN that more than 100 million people have abandoned their homes because of war, violence and persecution; and what plans do they have to achieve greater international co-operation to deal with this situation.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK delivered a statement on 11 October 2022 at the 73rd Annual Executive Committee of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) setting out our assessment of the unprecedented scale of global forced displacement.We are working to ensure the second Global Refugee Forum in December 2023 strengthens international co-operation to deliver on the ambitions of the Global Compact on Refugees. We are also supporting the UN Secretary General's Action Agenda on Internal Displacement through collaboration with his Special Advisor, to help find solutions to internal displacement for millions of people.

Sudan: Armed Conflict

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government whetherthey will make representations to the government of Sudan to take steps (1) to protect civilians, (2) to ensure the availability of humanitarian aid, and (3) to ensure the provision of adequate supplies for hospitals.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We are pursuing all diplomatic avenues to end the violence and de-escalate tensions. The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Development and Africa are in regular touch working with international partners to engage all parties in Sudan. We have led calls with the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, regional groupings and the UN Security Council to discuss the situation and coordinate a response.In a public statement by the Quad (KSA, UK,US, UAE) and the Trilateral Mechanism (AU, UN and Governmental Authority on Development) we have publicly welcomed the extension of the ceasefire by 72 hours. This initial stage of diplomacy, establishing a process to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities, will help ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.

Europe: Refugees

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports from Médecins Sans Frontières that nearly 500 refugees suffered serious personal injury on the borders of Serbia with Hungary, and of Bulgaria with Turkey; and what representations they will make to the states concerned.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK Government consistently urges all states to uphold international law and international human rights standards and to avoid any action that may endanger human life. We have made no specific assessment on these reported instances of injuries incurred on borders within Europe, but we regularly discuss migration and treatment of refugees with partners, including through our Embassies and we remain committed to supporting them manage this effectively.

Sudan: Armed Conflict

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government whether theywill make representations to the government of Sudan (1) to call for a ceasefire in response to the conflicts in that country, and (2) to encourage the conflicting sides to engage in discussions to form a civilian-led government.

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government whatrepresentations, if any, they will make to the UN to convene in order to discuss the current conflict taking place in Sudan.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We are pursuing all diplomatic avenues to end the violence and de-escalate tensions. The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Development and Africa are in regular touch working with international partners to engage all parties in Sudan. We led calls with the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, regional groupings and the UN Security Council to discuss the situation and coordinate a response.In a public statement by the Quad (KSA, UK, US, UAE) and the Trilateral Mechanism (AU, United Nations and Governmental Authority on Development) we have publicly welcomed the extension of the ceasefire by 72 hours. This initial stage of diplomacy, establishing a process to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities, will contribute to action on the development of a de-escalation plan.

Uebert Angel

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether British citizen Uebert Angel should retain diplomatic status as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador at Large.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We are aware of an Al Jazeera documentary investigating cases of alleged smuggling and fraud involving Uebert Angel, a dual British-Zimbabwean national and Presidential Envoy and Ambassador At Large for the country of Zimbabwe to Europe and the Americas. Whilst Mr Angel holds a diplomatic passport he is not diplomatically accredited to the UK - countries are free to determine for themselves who they grant these passports to, but the passport itself does not confer any diplomatic status on the holder. We cannot comment further on specific cases at this stage. The UK sees corruption as an important barrier to economic reform and inclusive growth in Zimbabwe. We engage with the Government of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, civil society and other actors in the fight against corruption in Zimbabwe.

Home Office

Refugees: Afghanistan

Lord McInnes of Kilwinning: To ask His Majesty's Government when Pathway 3 of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme will be re-opened for at-risk Afghans.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: As of 31 December 2022, the UK had granted settled status to over 7,600 individuals under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). Since then, we have welcomed the first individuals under Pathway 3. Further information on the number of individuals relocated and resettled under each Pathway of the ACRS is detailed in the quarterly Immigration Statistics. The latest release is available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/asylum-and-resettlement-datasetsUnder stage one of Pathway 3, places are being offered to eligible at-risk British Council contractors, GardaWorld contractors and Chevening alumni in Afghanistan or the region, and their eligible family members.FCDO have informed over 250 individuals from these cohorts that they are eligible in principle for resettlement under Pathway 3, subject to passing security checks. Including their family members, this accounts for over 1,200 of the 1,500 available places under this stage of Pathway 3. FCDO have communicated an outcome on over 11,200 (98%) of the over 11,400 EOIs received. We look forward to welcoming all remaining individuals as soon as practicable.We recognise there are many vulnerable individuals who remain in Afghanistan and the region. Unfortunately, the capacity of the UK to resettle people is not unlimited and difficult decisions have to be made on who will be prioritised for resettlement.asylum-and-resettlement-datasets (xlsx, 119.7KB)

Travel Requirements: Pupils

Lord Anderson of Ipswich: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to deliver on their commitment in the UK–France Joint Leaders’ Declaration of 10 March to ease the travel of school groups to the UK by making changes to documentary requirements for schoolchildren on organised trips from France.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: At the summit in Paris on 10 March 2023 the UK committed to ease the travel of school groups to the UK by making changes to documentary requirements for schoolchildren on organised trips from France.We are currently working through the details of implementation and more information, including timescales, will be provided in due course.This agreement with France will help to strengthen and maintain educational and cultural links with our closest continental neighbour. We will keep the position under review and ensure that we continue to operate our border in the UK's best interests.

Windrush Compensation Scheme

Baroness Benjamin: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to grant victims of the Windrush scandal the right to have a hearing at the Home Office.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: If an individual is dissatisfied with the outcome of their compensation claim, they can ask the Home Office to review its decision. This will be an internal independent review by someone who has not been involved in the individual’s case (Tier 1 review).If an individual remains dissatisfied, they can then request an external independent review (Tier 2 review). Their claim will be looked at by the Adjudicator’s Office.The Adjudicator’s Office is a separate organisation, independent of the Home Office who can look at, among other things, whether the department has followed its policies, and the use of discretion by the Windrush Compensation Team.The compensation scheme is intended to properly compensate members of the Windrush generation and to deliver on the commitment to right the wrongs that were experienced, while avoiding the need for court proceedings. We think this is in the best interests of those affected.

Windrush Compensation Scheme

Baroness Benjamin: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist victims of the Windrush scandal who still face long waits; and what plans they have to review the levels of compensation granted to applicants of the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: Following implementation of the significant changes made to the Scheme since December 2020, we are now fully focused on reducing the time between claim submission and decision. The Scheme continues to run ongoing recruitment campaigns to ensure the necessary level of staffing is maintained and has continued to backfill those who have left. Alongside significantly increasing the number of EO decision makers, the Scheme has also increased quality assurance capacity to ensure more decisions can be assured and processed at pace.In the meantime, as set out by the Home Secretary at the Windrush Working Group Meeting on 24 January 2023, additional experienced EO decision makers have been deployed on a temporary basis to assist with accelerating decision making, this is in addition to the established EO decision makers that are already in post.Alongside significantly increasing the amount of Decision makers, we have also increased our Quality Assurance capacity to ensure more decisions can be assured and processed at pace. Furthermore, we are improving the evidence gathering process, including revising our data sharing agreements with other government departments.We continue to listen and respond to feedback received from stakeholders and our customers to ensure the Scheme is operating effectively for everyone.

Police: Misconduct

Lord Lexden: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Sharpe of Epsom on 22 February (HL5554) where he stated that “there are no provisions in legislation which entitle legally qualified chairs to remain anonymous” and 4 April (HL6681) where he stated that “Any decision concerning publication of an LQC’s name is a matter for the relevant PCC”, what discussions they have had with Police and Crime Commissioners about disclosing the names of legally qualified chairs.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: Decisions concerning the publication of a Legally Qualified Chair’s (LQC) name are a matter for the relevant Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). These decisions are made independently of Government. The Government has not held any specific conversations with PCCs regarding these decisions.

Economic Crime: Southern Africa

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of allegations against British citizens made in the Al Jazeera documentary, Gold Mafia; and what steps they will take, if any, to investigate the activities of companies whose named directors are alleged to have been involved in conspiracy to commit financial crime.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: We do not comment on individual cases, this is a matter for law enforcement.

Crime: Southern Africa

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take, if any, to address the allegations of criminal activity made against British citizens in the Al Jazeera documentary, Gold Mafia.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: We do not comment on individual cases, this is a matter for law enforcement.

Economic Crime: Southern Africa

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of allegations of corruption and money laundering contained in the Al Jazeera documentary Gold Mafia, and what steps, if any, they will take to freeze assets held in the UK or dependent territories by those who have been (1) alleged to have engaged in, and (2) found guilty of, financial crime.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: We do not comment on individual cases, this is a matter for law enforcement.

Offences against Children

Lord Kamall: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the statements that “Research has found that group-based CSE offenders are most commonly White” and “there is no factor which makes any group of children uniquely vulnerable” in the Home Office report Group based Child Sexual Exploitation: Characteristics of Offending,published in December 2020,what new evidence they received following that report which led the Home Secretary to claim that perpetrators of child sexual exploitation are “almost all British-Pakistani” and that victims are “overwhelmingly white girls from disadvantaged or troubled backgrounds”.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: We know that child sexual exploitation is not exclusive to any single culture, community, race or religion. The Home Secretary’s comments relate to the findings of local reviews into child sexual exploitation cases in Rotherham, Telford and Rochdale, which showed that perpetrators in those cases were overwhelmingly British-Pakistani men and the victims were white girls.The 2020 Home Office report on group-based Child Sexual Exploitation set out the best evidence on ethnicity, age, offender networks, the context in which these crimes are committed and implications for national and local policy. As noted within the report, beyond those specific high-profile cases, the academic literature highlights significant limitations to what can be said about links between ethnicity and group-based child sexual exploitation.It is essential for police and local authorities to have a good understanding of offender characteristics and the drivers of child sexual exploitation in their areas, so that they can uncover and tackle offending effectively. That is why the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have announced a number of steps to improve our data on, and our response to, group-based child sexual exploitation, including a new Taskforce, regional analysts in every police region, a new Complex and Organised Child Abuse Database hosted by the Taskforce and the roll out of the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme, which brings together force-level, regional, and national data and intelligence.

Asylum: Rwanda

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they intend to take to prevent the transmission of malaria to asylum seekers who are removed to Rwanda.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: All individuals relocated to Rwanda are offered malaria prophylaxis treatment in the UK. Malaria medication will be provided via individual prescription to each individual, even if they refuse to engage with Immigration Removal Centre healthcare staff, which will include an additional 7 days' supply for use on arrival in Rwanda.Upon relocation to Rwanda, individuals will be provided with the healthcare and other support needed to ensure their health, security, and wellbeing.When in Rwanda, appropriate medication will be available to relocated individuals where needed, free of charge. Mosquito nets and insect repellents are also available and accessible to relocated individuals in initial reception accommodation.

Educational Visits: EU Nationals

Baroness Randerson: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the finding by the Tourism Alliance that there was an 83 per cent decline in EU student group visitors to the UK in 2022; what estimate they have made of the financial impact on the UK economy of this decline; what assessment they have made of the reasons for this decline; what plans they have (1) to return to policy of accepting ID cards in place of passports for educational group visits, and (2) to reduce the costs of visas for participants in such visits who require them.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: All visitors from outside the EU are expected to hold a passport (and visa where necessary) and those visiting from EU countries are now expected to do the same.In implementing this policy, a full impact assessment was carried out which can be found at the following link: Impact Assessment (publishing.service.gov.uk). We will continue to monitor the ongoing impact of these documentary requirements.At the summit in Paris on 10 March 2023 the UK committed to ease the travel of school groups to the UK by making changes to documentary requirements for schoolchildren on organised trips from France. Further details will be announced in due course.Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review however, there are no plans to reduce the level of fees charged. Income from fees plays a vital role in our ability to run a sustainable migration and borders system and reduce the burden on UK taxpayers. Impact Assessment  (pdf, 385.7KB)

Educational Visits: EU Countries

Lord Lee of Trafford: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to increase the amount of school pupils visiting the UK from EU countries, particularly France, by removing the passport requirement that is currently in place.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: At the summit in Paris on 10 March 2023 the UK committed to ease the travel of school groups to the UK by making changes to documentary requirements for schoolchildren on organised trips from France.We are currently working through the details of implementation; and more information, including timescales, will be provided in due course.This agreement with France will help to strengthen and maintain educational and cultural links with our closest continental neighbour. We will keep the position under review and ensure that we continue to operate our border in the UK’s best interests.

Windrush Compensation Scheme

Baroness Benjamin: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of findings by Human Rights Watch that human rights are being violated as a result of the failure to implement an effective compensation scheme under the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: We do not accept the Human Rights Watch assessment of the Windrush Compensation Scheme nor that human rights are being violated in the way it is operated. We remain absolutely committed to righting the wrongs of Windrush. The latest Windrush Compensation Scheme statistics show that £57.13m had been paid out by the end of February 2023 across 1,520 claims. A further £11.13m has been offered, awaiting acceptance, or pending review, taking the total amount paid or offered to £68.27m. In addition, over 60% of claims have received a final decision.We have engaged with Human Rights Watch in response to their report and will continue to work with them to discuss their findings. We are making good progress towards the vast majority of recommendations from Wendy Williams’ report and believe there are more meaningful ways of achieving the intent of a very small number of others.Through this work, we will make sure that similar injustices can never be repeated and are creating a Home Office worthy of every community it serves.The Home Secretary continues to co-host Windrush Working Group meetings to discuss how we can work together to drive further improvements.

Uebert Angel

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take, if any, to investigate alleged discrepancies in the application that Uebert Angel, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador at Large, made for British citizenship.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: The Home Office takes allegations of immigration fraud seriously and thoroughly investigates allegations of deception with a view to removing status if appropriate.We do not routinely comment on individual cases.

Immigration: Interviews

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of shelter from rough weather for those awaiting immigration interviews at Lunar House in Croydon.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: Attendees are provided with an appointment time for interviews to attend Lunar House and no internal waiting facility currently exists for early arrivals. The facility will be moved in 2024 to 2 Ruskin Square, Croydon where an indoor waiting area will be provided.

Department of Health and Social Care

Breast Cancer: Northern Ireland

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had regarding the implementation of a secondary metastatic breast cancer clinical audit for Northern Ireland.

Lord Markham: This is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Department of Health to respond to.

Breast Cancer: Health Services

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofthe accessibility of (1) medicines, and (2) clinical interventions, for secondary metastatic breast cancer in England.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the devolved administrations regarding the accessibility of (1) medicines, and (2) clinical interventions, for secondary metastatic breast cancer.

Lord Markham: The Government is committed to supporting timely patient access to clinically- and cost-effective new drugs, including for metastatic breast cancer. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and NHS England are working closely together to ensure that there is a joined-up, timely approach to supporting access to new medicines for National Health Service patients, including those licensed through Project Orbis and the creation of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP). For example, average times taken between licensing and the publication of NICE guidance for new medicines have been reduced from 10.2 months for 2017/18 to 3.1 months for 2022/23. The proportion of positive NICE recommendations increased from 79% in 2017/18 to 92% in 2022/23.NICE is also able to make recommendations through the cancer drugs fund (CDF), which has benefitted over 88,000 patients as of March 2023. The CDF has allowed patients with metastatic breast cancer to access new medicines like trastuzumab deruxtecan and palbociclib, while allowing for the collection of further data on their clinical and cost effectiveness to inform a final NICE recommendation.NICE published a surveillance review of its guideline on advanced breast cancer in January 2023. It concluded that the recommendations on biological therapy, chemotherapy, psychological support and preventing and managing complications will be updated. These updates will be scheduled into NICE’s work programme and will include equality impact assessments and consultation with stakeholders to ensure access issues are fully considered.The NHS Cancer Programme has commissioned five new cancer clinical audits, which will provide timely evidence for cancer service providers of where patterns of care in England may vary, increase the consistency of access to treatments and help stimulate improvements in cancer treatment and outcomes for patients. The Royal College of Surgeons began work on this audit in October 2022 with the first outcomes expected in 2023/24. One of the five audits will cover primary and metastatic breast cancer.The Department has not had specific discussions with the Devolved Governments. However, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Department of Health have agreements in place with NICE to use their technology appraisals and clinical guidelines. NICE will engage with them to support implementation. Both NICE and the Scottish Medicines Consortium are permanent partners in ILAP. Decisions on how guidance is implemented is a matter for each Government.

Continuing Care: Liability

Lord Shinkwin: To ask His Majesty's Government whether NHS continuing healthcare managers within a Clinical Commissioning Group have a duty of care to those whom they support; and if so, whether (1) the duty of care includes ensuring rigorous monitoring and supervision of the services commissioned, and (2)this includes services provided by care agencies.

Lord Markham: Clinical Commissioning Groups have been replaced by integrated care boards (ICBs), effective as of 1 July 2022. As set out in legislation and statutory guidance, ICBs deliver NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) for their local area. ICBs have a duty of care for individuals eligible for NHS CHC as part of their care planning, commissioning of services, and case management responsibilities. One element of ICB case management is monitoring and supervising services commissioned as part of NHS CHC packages, including services provided by care agencies. In this way, ICBs ensure that the agreed care and support package meets the individual’s needs and can identify and act on any issues arising in the provision of NHS CHC. ICBs therefore ensure that quality standards are met and sustained, as set out in the NHS Standard Contract.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to establish a national access and waiting time standard for children and young people's mental health services, and if so, when; and what plans they have to establish a pathway for young people transitioning from children and young people's mental health services to adult mental health services, in order to collect detailed and accurate numerical data.

Lord Markham: NHS England has consulted on the potential to introduce five new waiting time standards as part of its clinically-led review of National Health Service access standards, including that children, young people and their families presenting to community-based mental health services should start to receive care within four weeks from referral. As a first step, NHS England has shared and promoted guidance with its local system partners to consistently report waiting times to support the development of a baseline position. NHS England is developing implementation proposals for consideration by Government.We are supporting children and young people by expanding mental health services through the NHS Long Term Plan. The Plan sets out the intention to develop a new approach to young adult mental health services for people aged between 18 and 25 years old which will support the transition to adulthood. The Plan will extend current service models to create a comprehensive offer for ages between zero and 25 years old that offers person centered and age appropriate care for mental health needs.

National Food Crime Unit: Administration of Justice

Lord Rooker: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to grant the National Food Crime Unit of the Food Standards Agency powers to present its cases to the courts.

Lord Markham: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) works to prevent, detect and investigate fraud within our food system. The Unit develops and presents evidential case files to the Crown Prosecution Service in anticipation of proceedings in the criminal courts, achieving its first end-to-end conviction in 2021. Other cases are shortly to be before the courts. The NFCU’s existing suite of investigatory powers is not wide enough to enable the NFCU to carry out certain investigatory functions for criminal offences outside of general food law. The NFCU is therefore currently dependent on partners like the police to perform some functions such as obtaining search warrants.Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care now has the power to grant through regulations access to powers such as those under the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act 1984 to NFCU officers. Following a public consultation last summer, work is underway on the necessary secondary legislation to grant these powers and bring the FSA under the Independent Office for Police Conduct oversight. Primary legislation would also be necessary to place the use of these investigatory powers by NFCU officers under the inspection remit of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and this is expected to be legislated for when parliamentary time allows.

Ministry of Defence

Warships: Procurement

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they still planto replace amphibious shipping with Multi-role Support Ships.

Baroness Goldie: The Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) programme will replace the current mixed fleet of amphibious and Casualty Receiving vessels in the 2030s. These vessels will enable the projection of littoral strike capability worldwide and ensure that a modernised amphibious capability is available to the Commando Force.

Destroyers and Frigates

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government whetherassessment they have made oftheir previous commitment not to reduce numbers of destroyers and frigates below 19.

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government whether any new frigates will achieve Initial Operating Capability before 2026.

Baroness Goldie: The Royal Navy (RN) continues to ensure that it has sufficient assets available to deliver its operational outputs. In the coming years, the make-up of the RN will change as it transitions from Type 23 Frigates to Type 26 Anti-Submarine Warfare and Type 31 General Purpose Frigates. The first Type 31 frigate, HMS VENTURER, is scheduled to be ready for operations in 2027 while the first Type 26 frigate, HMS GLASGOW, is scheduled to be ready for operations in 2028.

F-35 Aircraft: Crew

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government how many fully trained F35B pilots they expect to employ by 2030.

Baroness Goldie: Workforce planning for the second tranche of Lightning is ongoing. However, I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

Air Force: Training

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the RAF is solely responsible for training Royal Navy fast jet pilots; andwhat is their assessment ofasking the US Marine Corps to help train Royal Navy pilotsat times whenRAF training may not be runningas intended.

Baroness Goldie: The Royal Air Force (RAF) is not solely responsible for the training of Royal Navy (RN) Fast Jet (FJ) pilots. The UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS), contracted to Ascent, delivers aircrew training of elementary, basic and advanced flying training phases for all three Services, in order to prepare them for their arrival at their designated operational aircraft units. The RN has maintained a limited programme to train FJ pilots with the United States Navy (not US Marine Corps) to sustain a cadre of maritime FJ pilots following the withdrawal of Joint Force Harrier.

Air Force: Training

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government what is theaverage length of time between trainee pilots completing armed forces-flying training and joining an operational conversion unit in relation to (1) fast jets, (2) multi-engine heavy lift aircraft, and (3) rotary wing aircraft.

Baroness Goldie: As of March 2023, the average length of time between trainee pilots completing the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) and joining an operational conversion unit is:Fast Jet - 22 months.Multi-engine - 11 monthsRotary Wing - 14 months.

Navy: Guided Weapons

Lord Stevens of Birmingham: To ask His Majesty's Government by what date they plan to have equipped the Royal Navy surface fleet with adequate capabilities to defend itself from hypersonic missile attack.

Baroness Goldie: The Royal Navy is constantly reviewing and updating their offensive and defensive capabilities based upon intelligence and threat analysis.Due to the sensitive nature of these assessments, it is inappropriate to discuss the specific nature of our capabilities and the operational analysis being conducted

Ukraine: Apache AH-64 Helicopters

Lord Blencathra: To ask His Majesty's Government what considerationthey have given to giving Ukraine Apache helicopters.

Baroness Goldie: The Government has no current plans to gift Apache helicopters to Ukraine.

China and Russia: Guided Weapons

Lord Stevens of Birmingham: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the threat posed by recent developments in (1) Russian, and (2) Chinese, hypersonic missile technology.

Baroness Goldie: Russia and China continue to progress in the development and deployment of hypersonic missiles and technologies and these weapons pose an increasing threat to international stability.

Department for Work and Pensions

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government whether theyintend for the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to be retained under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: With the introduction of the Retained EU Law (REUL) Bill, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) remains focused on ensuring that regulatory frameworks maintain the United Kingdom’s high standards of health and safety protection and continue to reduce burdens for business. HSE’s approach aligns closely with the Government’s pledge to do more for business to help promote growth by removing disproportionate burdens and simplifying the regulatory landscape. Our standards of health and safety protections are among the highest in the world. HSE will continue to review its retained EU Law to seek opportunities to reduce business burdens and promote growth without reducing health and safety standards.

Agriculture: Industrial Injuries

Baroness Kennedy of Cradley: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of workplace injuries, including fatalities, in the agricultural sector compared to all other sectors of the UK economy over the past five years.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: As the regulator for workplace health and safety, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes official statistics on deaths and injuries at work. Published statistics of work-related fatal injuries over the last five years by industry sector are available at https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm. The data shows that 138 workers in the agricultural sector were killed in work-related accidents over the five years 2017/18 to 2021/22, equivalent to 8.61 deaths annually per 100,000 workers. This rate of fatal injury to workers in the agricultural sector remains markedly higher than the average across all industries: 21 times as high as the average rate across all industries. [Note 1] [Note 2]. Published statistics of workplace non-fatal injuries over the last five years by industry sector are also available at https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/index.htm. This data shows that on average, an estimated 12,000 workers in the agricultural sector sustained an injury at work each year between 2017/18 to 2021/22, equivalent to 4,190 injuries per 100,000 workers. This is statistically significantly higher than the average rate across all industries. [Note 1] [Note 3]. Notes[Note 1] Agricultural sector defined as Section A, Agriculture, forestry and fishing, of the 2007 Standard Industrial Classification. [Note 2] Source: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) [Note 3] Source: Estimates from the Labour Force Survey, a national representative household survey run by the Office for National Statistics.

Electrical Safety

Lord Rooker: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have toinstitute a programme of testing of domestic premises to measures the risks of neutral current diversion.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates the safety of the public electricity network, including equipment owned by Distribution Network Operators. HSE have monitored developments carefully and continue to do so. Officials from HSE are of the view that no additional action is required by the regulator to manage this risk of neutral current diversion at the present time.

Electrical Safety

Lord Rooker: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the issue of neutral current diversions leading to electricity flowing through gas meters following domestic gas explosions.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) officials have advised neutral current diversions are a known phenomenon and can occur for a number of reasons. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require additional electrical bonding when cutting conducting gas pipes to minimise the risk to workers. HSE are of the view that no additional action is required by the regulator to manage this risk at the present time but will keep emerging evidence under review.

Asbestos: Health and Safety

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the case for reviewingthe penalties for those found guilty of an offence under (1) the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and (2) otherrelatedlegislation, includingregulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 andsections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have advised prosecution is one of a range of enforcement options available to environmental and health and safety regulators, including withdrawing approvals, serving enforcement and fixed penalty notices, varying licenses conditions and providing written advice. The law currently allows for an unlimited fine and imprisonment for those convicted of offences under health and safety regulations, fly-tipping and breaches of environmental permitting. No specific assessment has been made regarding whether a revision to these penalties is necessary, although the Regulators Code requires that all regulators keep their activities under review. Sentencing is a matter for the independent courts who must follow the relevant guidelines issued by the independent Sentencing Council for England and Wales. The guidelines implement the requirements of Section 125 of the Sentencing Act, which requires that any fine imposed should reflect the seriousness of the offence and take into account the financial circumstances of the dutyholder. The level of fine should reflect the extent to which the offender fell below the required standard, and should meet the objectives of punishment, deterrence and the removal of gain derived through the commission of the offence, in a fair and proportionate way. The fine must be sufficiently substantial to have an economic impact that brings home, to both management and shareholders, the need to comply with health and safety legislation.

Ministry of Justice

Prisons: Drugs

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government whether there has been an increase or decrease in the rate of seizures of psychoactive substances, such as spice and black mamba, in prisons since 1 January 2020.

Lord Bellamy: We publish the number of incidents where drugs are found in prisons in England and Wales in the HMPPS Annual Digest, the latest issues covering the period from April 2021 to March 2022. The table below provides the data on incidents of psychoactive substances, as a drug type, found in prisons from January 2020 to December 2020, as well as the previous and following 12-month periods.Finds of psychoactive substances increased in the period of January 2020 to December 2020 compared to the previous 12-months but decreased in the following 12-months. These periods are not directly comparable, because changes in the day to day running of prisons during the Covid-19 pandemic are likely to have influenced these figures. An increase in the incident of finds in prisons may be as a result of more items being found, rather than more items being present in prisons.DatePsychoactive substance finds incidents*January 2019 – December 20197,651January 2020 – December 20209,290January 2021 – December 20216,740Source: HMPPS Incident Reporting System*(1) Secure training centres Rainsbrook and Oakhill report separately as they are contracted establishments and therefore data is not included in this dataset.(2) Data includes HMPPS operated Immigration Removal Centres and during contracted out escorts.(3) In the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016) “psychoactive substance” means any substance which is capable of producing a psychoactive effect in a person who consumes it, and is not an exempted substance. Exempted substances are: controlled drugs, medicinal products, alcohol or alcoholic products, nicotine, tobacco products, caffeine or caffeine products or any substance which is ordinarily consumed as food, and does not contain a prohibited ingredient.http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents(4) It is important to consider with incidents of finds in prisons, that an increase in numbers may be as a result of more items being found, although not necessarily attributable to any one particular security counter-measure, rather than more items being present in prisons.

Prison Accommodation

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government how many prisoners in England and Wales are subject to 23 hours of confinement in cells each day; and what are the reasons for this.

Lord Bellamy: The information requested is not held by the Ministry of Justice, as collecting it would require extremely detailed monitoring of each wing in each prison establishment. No prisons are routinely operating a 23 hour per day or similar lockdown.Governors are afforded the flexibility to deliver balanced regimes that maintain an appropriate level of time out of cell on a range of activities, including association, which meet the needs of the establishment’s population.

Prisoners' Release: Health Services

Lord Hylton: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are considering day release for prisoners who need to attend health appointments on external premises as an alternative to the normal requirement of two prison officers as escorts.

Lord Bellamy: The Prison Rules in England and Wales provide that a prisoner may be allowed to leave prison for short periods on temporary licence (ROTL). The main purpose of ROTL is to aid resettlement and suitable, risk assessed prisoners may be allowed out during the day to, for example, work, attend college, attend an interview or maintain/re-establish links with their family.ROTL under special purpose licence (SPL) is permitted for compelling compassionate reasons not directly linked to resettlement; for example, to allow the prisoner to attend medical appointments.The decision to allow temporary release is taken by the prison governor, on behalf of the Secretary of State, who must always balance the needs of the prisoner and the purpose of the ROTL applied for, against the need to maintain public safety and the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system. Each decision is taken on a case by case basis to safeguard the public.

Parole Board

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2022, to whom is the Chair of the Parole Board accountable in the effective discharge of his or her duties with regard to agreeing public hearings of the Parole Board.

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to review the workings of the Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2022 with regard to efficacious processing of requests for parole hearings to be held in public.

Lord Bellamy: The decision on whether to hold a public hearing sits with the Chair of the Board. The Parole Board has published extensive guidance on its approach to public hearings on its website:  Applying for a Parole review to be public - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).The Parole Board is an independent non-departmental public-body.  As such, any decision the Chair might take on whether a parole hearing should be held in public is made independently of the Secretary of State for Justice. The Ministry of Justice is only made aware of an application for a public hearing when the Parole Board seeks representations from the Secretary of State in his role as a party to the proceedings. Although appointed by the Secretary of State as a public appointee, the decisions of Chair, and those taken by the Parole Board, can only be challenged by way of onwards rights of appeal or judicial review.The Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2022 contains the provisions that enable public parole hearings. Specifically, Rule 15 provides that public hearing applications can be made by anyone no later than 12 weeks before a hearing and the decision whether to grant an application rests with the Chair of the Parole Board. There are no plans to review these provisions.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Elections: Young People

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adverse impact on the ability of young people to vote as a result of the voter identification provisions of the Elections Act 2022; whether all those eligible to vote will have access to acceptable forms of identity documents irrespective of age; and what steps they are taking to (1) monitor, and (2) assess, the effects of the new voter identification system amongst all age groups at the local elections in May.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: I refer the Noble Marquess to the debate on Voter Identification at HC volume 728, column 138, debated on 21 February 2023, and to the answer given to PQ HL 6447, and the debate on Voter ID at HC volume 731, column 919, debated on 27 April 2023.Regarding the steps taken to monitor and assess the effects of voter identification, I refer the Noble Lord to the response given on 14 March to PQ 162192 .Voter Identification (pdf, 410.0KB)PQ HL6447 (pdf, 113.4KB)Voter ID (pdf, 404.4KB)

Payments: Digital Technology

Baroness Altmann: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment theyhave made of the compliance of digital or app-only payment options for essential services such as parking in public spaces with the Equality Act 2010.

Baroness Altmann: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have issuedany guidance to councils to protect older people in (1) England, (2) Wales, (3) Scotland, and (4) Northern Ireland, who have removed cash or telephone credit card payment options from parking services and have introduced digital or app-only payments that require ownership and Wi-Fi connection of smartphones.

Baroness Altmann: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they haveto ensure that all parking facilities and essential public services, including (1) medical appointments, (2) council enquiries, (3) service payments, and (4) registrations, are always available to those who do not have internet access, Wi-Fi connection or smartphones.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Secretary of State recently wrote to all local authorities in England setting out his expectations that parking services for which councils are responsible for remain accessible. For example, it would not seem appropriate for parking on a high street to be solely available for those who have access to a mobile phone. Nor would it appear sensible for local authorities to phase out paper-based parking options such as 'scratch cards' if the only available replacement is an entirely digital option.All local authorities have statutory duties to ensure that they do not discriminate in their decision making against older people or those with vulnerabilities. Cash remains legal tender and it will continue to be used by people who favour its accessibility and ease. Local authorities should ensure that there are alternative provisions for parking payments available so that no part of society is digitally excluded.A copy of the letter is available on gov.ukQuestions about medical appointments should be directed to the Department of Health and Social Care. Responsibility for local government is devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but officials in this department will engage counterparts on these matters.

Leasehold: Reform

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government whatprogress they have made in relation to leasehold reform since the enactment of the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: We are due to bring forward further leasehold reforms later in this Parliament, and announcements will be made in the usual way.

Local Government: Elections

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the collection of data for the Electoral Commission by polling staff at this year's local elections will be publicly available; and if so, whether it will include (1) not only the number of electors who had no approved ID, but also those who arrived to vote with ID which is not approved, and (2) those who did not have ID or the correct ID, but returned later with the correct ID to vote.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: With regards to the query on data recorded at polling station, I refer to the response given on 14th March to PQ 162192 .PQ 162192 (pdf, 94.7KB)

Electoral Register: British Nationals Abroad

Lord Lexden: To ask His Majesty's Government when the provisions of Part 2 of the Elections Act 2022 relating to overseas electors will be brought into force.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The secondary legislation to deliver the overseas electors change is expected to be made and come into force in January 2024.

Construction: Stone

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofthe benefits of stone as a relatively low-carbon building material; and what steps they are taking to promote research and development of its use.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Depending on how stone is quarried and how far it is transported, it is likely to be a relatively low-carbon material. We are carrying out research into the impact of measuring embodied carbon and methods of reducing it across building types - including the contributions that could be made by different material choices. We will set out further announcements in due course.

Private Rented Housing: Rents

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to introduce a system of nationwide rent controls.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: I refer the noble Lord to the answer given to HL3865, given 13 December 2022.  HL3865 (pdf, 83.5KB)

Buildings: Electrical Safety

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government whatdiscussions they have had with relevant (1) professional, and (2) trade, bodies about improving the (a) quality, and (b) safety, of electrical installations in buildings.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Government officials have regular discussions with relevant professional bodies and trade associations. This includes participation in the Committee that maintains and improves our national quality and safety standards for electrical installations in buildings. Officials also attend the Committee that maintains and develops the competence and qualifications framework for electrical installers.

Local Government: East Riding

Baroness Pinnock: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Local Government (Levelling Up), during her visit to Hull on 28 February that she would like to see a devolutiondeal for Hull and the East Riding “sooner rather than later”, when they will provide further details of any plans.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Hull and East Yorkshire were announced in the Levelling Up White Paper as an early County Deal area. The Minister for Levelling Up visited Hull on 28 February where she took part in conversations with the Leaders of Hull and East Yorkshire about their plans for devolution in the region. Devolution discussions will continue following the May elections.

Combined Authorities: East Midlands

Baroness Kennedy of Cradley: To ask His Majesty's Government whatprogress they have made on the proposals for a Combined Authority covering Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: An East Midlands devolution deal, covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, was announced in August 2022. The deal included the establishment of a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, with an inaugural mayoral election anticipated in May 2024. The area have now consulted on their proposals and each of the four constituent councils has voted to submit these proposals to the Secretary of State. Implementation of the deal including creation of the Combined County Authority is subject to passage and coming into force of the relevant provisions in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill and to the following statutory process including local consents and Parliamentary approval to secondary legislation.

Scottish National Party: Finance

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock: To ask His Majesty's Government how much public funding was provided to the Scottish National Party for the last financial year for which figures are available.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Eligible political parties can receive a limited amount of public funding each year. Information on this is held by the Cabinet Office.Political parties are required to report the funding that they receive, including public funding, directly to the Electoral Commission as part of their wider financial reporting obligations. The Electoral Commission publishes this information on their online database for transparency and public scrutiny.

British National (Overseas): Visas

Lord Leong: To ask His Majesty's Government how much funding they have allocated forsupporting access to English language provision for British National (Overseas) visa holders in (1) 2021/22, and (2) so far in 2022/23; and how much of this was accessed by BNO visa holders in each of those years.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: In 2021/22, 941 Hong Kong BN(O)s were supported to access English language provision at a total cost of £811,000. In 2022/23, 4694 Hong Kong BN(O)s were supported at a cost of £3 million.

Wind Power: Seas and Oceans

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering: To ask His Majesty's Government towhat extent the Environmental Outcome Reports provided for by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will cover site assessments undertaken as part of the planning process for offshore wind farms.

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering: To ask His Majesty's Government which environmental testswill be applied in the preparation of Environmental Outcomes Reports as provided for by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Government recognise the important role site assessments play in understanding the impact of development and such assessments will fall under the new system of Environmental Outcome Reports (EORs).An outcomes-based approach will test the acceptability of environmental impacts, with indicators developed to assess how a plan/project supports environmental outcomes set out in in the Environmental Improvement Plan, the Clean Air Strategy, and the UK Marine Strategy. These indicators will measure the expected change due to a plan/project against baseline conditions and wider trend data.The Bill creates a framework for assessment that can work across the various EIA and SEA regimes - including the nationally significant Infrastructure Planning regime covering offshore wind projects. Further detail will be developed through consultation.

Department for Transport

Cabotage: EU Countries

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve cabotage arrangements for UK musicians touring in the EU.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The dual registration measure came into force in July 2022 to enable eligible specialist events hauliers to transfer their vehicles temporarily between their two operator licences without needing to change vehicle mid-tour. The measure allows specialist hauliers to undertake journeys in GB on the basis of their GB operator licence and to do the same in the other location on the basis of their EU Community Licence or other third country operator licence. This means specialist events hauliers using the measure benefit by not having their journeys limited by cabotage rules that apply to international operators within each territory, when touring for cultural events. The Department understands that seven operators – which have an operating base in GB and in the EU or other third country – are currently making use of this measure.

Travel: EU Law

Baroness Randerson: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to repeal or amend retained EU legislation that (1) enables passengers undertaking journeys of over 250 km to claim compensation in cases of significant delay, (2) entitles bus passengers to claim compensation when delayed for longer than 90 minutes on a journey of longer than 3 hours, and (3) gives passengers the right to accommodation where a delay necessitates an overnight stay for the passenger to be able to complete the journey; and if not, why the relevant pieces of retained EU law not been included in their Retained EU Law Dashboard.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department is currently in the process of reviewing its stock of Retained EU Law (REUL). The Department will set out its approach to each piece of REUL in due course.The REUL dashboard was last updated in January and provides a list of REUL identified to that point. Since then, the Department has continued to identify REUL in scope of the Bill and expect this list to continue to evolve.

High Speed 2 Line: Rolling Stock

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 11 April (HL6905), how such rolling stock will be capable of operation on rail routes connected to HS2 as differing demand dictates; and to what extent value for money to the taxpayer will be demonstrated, given the absence of information about the operational routes for which such rolling stock will be compatible.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: HS2 Ltd is working with the West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), acting as the future operator, to ensure that the rolling stock is capable of operation on rail routes connected to HS2 as differing demand dictates. HS2 Ltd and WCPD are working with the Department for Transport to finalise the operational routes for which the rolling stock will be compatible, supported by demand and revenue analysis to demonstrate value for money to the taxpayer.

High Speed 2 Line: Rolling Stock

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 11 April (HL6905), how many trains of what capacity are included in the contract scope; what is the value of the purchase contract; and what are its delivery dates.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Rolling Stock contract awarded to the Hitachi/Alstom Joint Venture (‘JV’) will see the JV design, build and maintain a fleet of 54 state-of-the-art high-speed trains that will operate on HS2. Each train will be 200m long with up to 528 seats and have the option to couple two units together to create a 400m long train. The final seating capacity of the rolling stock will be agreed in collaboration between HS2 Ltd, DfT, and the West Coast Partner (as future operator) in order to support their customer service proposition. The contract award value for the supply of the rolling stock and a 12 year initial maintenance period is £2bn (as at December 2021) and the current contract programme will see the full fleet delivered to HS2 Ltd by November 2030.

Department for Education

Teachers: Workplace Pensions

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of any changes to employer contributions for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme on universities

Baroness Barran: Work on finalising the 2020 valuation of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) is still ongoing and the department expects to be able to publish the outcome in late summer.There are several policy decisions and scheme-based assumptions still to be determined that could affect the final outcome, which means it is not possible at this stage to accurately assess the likely impact on scheme employers. Following His Majesty’ Treasury’s (HMT) announcement on 30 March 2023 of the government’s response to the consultation on the methodology for determining the discount rate to be applied in the valuation of public service schemes, it is expected that the contribution rate for the TPS will need to rise. That is why HMT has committed to continue discussions with the department on the impact for TPS employers in the higher education sector.The Department is working with HMT and the actuary for the TPS, the Government Actuary’s Department, to progress the TPS valuation as quickly as possible. Regular updates will continue to be provided to the groups representing employers and members.

Teachers: Workplace Pensions

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of any changes to employer contributions for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme on further education colleges.

Baroness Barran: Work on finalising the 2020 valuation of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) is still ongoing and the department expects to be able to publish the outcome in late summer.There are several policy decisions and scheme-based assumptions still to be determined that could affect the final outcome, which means it is not possible at this stage to accurately assess the likely impact on scheme employers. Following His Majesty’s Treasury’s (HMT) announcement on 30 March 2023 of the government’s response to the consultation on the methodology for determining the discount rate to be applied in the valuation of public service schemes, it is expected that the contribution rate for the TPS will need to rise. That is why the government has committed to providing funding for the 2024/25 financial year for centrally funded employers, including those in the further education sector, to help address the impacts involved.The department is working with HMT and the actuary for the TPS, the Government Actuary’s Department, to progress the TPS valuation as quickly as possible. Regular updates will continue to be provided to the groups representing employers and members.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Fisheries: Northern Ireland

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what provisions under the Windsor Framework govern Northern Ireland fishing vessels landing catch from waters around England, Scotland and Wales.

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government whether, under the Windsor Framework, fishing vessels registered in Great Britain landing catch in Northern Ireland are consideredthird country vessels; and if so, what steps they are taking to rectify this.

Lord Benyon: There is no change to the requirements that apply regarding landing of vessels into ports in Northern Ireland. Vessels should continue to operate in line with the status quo as set out in the guidance on gov.uk.

Marine Environment

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to (1) protect, and (2) enhance, the marine environment through (a) no-take zones, and (b) marine protected areas.

Lord Benyon: The government recently announced the first three Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters. These areas will prohibit all extractive, destructive, and depositional activities, including all fishing, enabling nature to fully recover by increasing marine biodiversity and supporting climate-resilient ecosystems. The government will explore additional Highly Protected Marine areas this year. We have already built a comprehensive network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) covering 40% of English waters and are now focusing on making sure they are properly protected. MPAs are protected through the planning and marine licensing regimes and we are aiming to have all MPAs in English waters protected from damaging fishing activity by 2024. This will help achieve our new legally-binding target to have 70% of protected features in MPAs in favourable condition by 2042, with the remainder in a recovering condition.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are reviewing the case for making the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras a designated point of entry and exit for items affected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Lord Benyon: The Government has closely considered the case for designating St Pancras as a CITES Point of Entry and Exit (PoE). Given the nature of CITES trade and the demands a PoE would place on the terminal’s resources and facilities, we do not consider it appropriate to designate it at this time. Defra keeps the list of designated PoEs under review and will continue to work closely with Border Force and industry to evaluate and update the PoE list as appropriate.

Environmental Land Management Schemes: Finance

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: To ask His Majesty's Government what funds are available through the new Environmental Land Management schemes to support the establishment of local abattoirs and food processing hubs to improve farmers’ access to food markets.

Lord Benyon: Our Environmental Land Management schemes do not include support for abattoirs or food processing hubs. However, the Government recognises the important role local abattoirs play in supporting rural economies and maintaining a robust and competitive sector. The first round of the Farming Investment Fund opened in 2022. This offered access to financial support to establish new producer led abattoirs through our Adding Value offer. We have previously offered support for a mobile abattoir through the Rural Development Programme for England. In February 2023, Mark Spencer, Minister for Food and Farming, announced the launch of a new smaller abattoir fund to help drive productivity, add value, promote innovation and utilise new technology and enhance animal welfare. Defra is working closely with the sector on the design and content of this fund and full details of the funding package will be announced later this year. With regards to other support for farmers, we have committed to spend around £600 million on grants and other support for farmers to invest in productivity, animal health and welfare and innovation over three years and paid out over £30 million so far in grants for technology and equipment. We have also provided 10,000 farmers with help and advice through the Future Farming Resilience Fund, which provides farmers with free advice to help farmers work out what to do for their business. Finally, we are looking at how we can support new entrants into the sector and those looking to grow their farming businesses by developing their entrepreneurial capabilities through a pilot scheme being run in conjunction with Harper Adams and Landworkers’ Alliance.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Wind Power: Celtic Sea

Lord Teverson: To ask His Majesty's Government when a decision will be made as to where the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind power line will come ashore and connect to the national electricity transmission grid; who will make that decision; and what mechanism will be used to decide on that location.

Lord Callanan: National Grid Electricity Systems Operator (ESO) is currently developing the Holistic Network Design (HND) Follow Up Exercise. Working closely with the Crown Estate, the ESO will make recommendations for the grid connections of in-scope offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea. The Terms of Reference for the HND Follow Up Exercise, published on GOV.UK, outline the Network Design Objectives which will inform the recommendations. The recommendations will be finalised in July 2023 and published as part of the Transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan by the end of the year. The recommendations will inform connection agreements, including the location of interface points between the on and offshore network. Any infrastructure proposed will be subject to the appropriate planning process.

Heat Pumps: Costs

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address public concerns aboutthe cost of replacing household gas or electric heating systems with air source heat pumps.

Lord Callanan: The Government is lowering costs through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides a £5000 grant towards the purchase of an air source heat pump and is available until 2028, and through zero rating VAT on air source heat pumps until 2027. This is part of a comprehensive policy package to grow the market to 600,000 installations a year by 2028 and work with industry to make heat pumps as cheap to buy and run as fossil fuel boilers. Further details are set out in the recent Powering Up Britain publications (2022) and the Heat and Buildings Strategy (2021).

Electricity Storage Health and Safety Governance Group

Lord Foster of Bath: To ask His Majesty's Government what organisations are members of the electricity Storage Health and Safety Governance Group; and when it last met.

Lord Callanan: The Electrical Storage Health and Safety Governance Group last met on 13th March 2023. Member organisations include: the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Physical Laboratory, the Health and Safety Executive, the Office for Product Safety and Standards, London Fire Brigade, Kent Fire and Rescue Services, the National Fire Chief’s Council, the Association For Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers, the British Association of Electrotechnical Allied Manufacturers Association, the British Standards Institution, the University of Newcastle, the Institute for Engineering and Technology, the Energy Institute, and representatives from both the domestic and grid-scale energy storage industry as well as engineering consultancies.

Solar Power: Fire Hazards

Lord Foster of Bath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk of fires arising from solar photovoltaic panels.

Lord Callanan: Research funded by Government between 2015 and 2018 by the Building Research Establishment indicates the risk from solar PV fires is very low. Government continues to work with industry to make solar even safer and ensure best practice. In February 2023 RISCAuthority, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and Solar Energy UK published an updated Joint Code of Practice on recommendations for fire risk prevention in UK solar systems.